I thought a new season called for a new thread plus the reality is the junior windsurf program doesn't just cater for kids we regularly have adult participants, some completely new to the sport and some with there own gear who are just looking for some tips on how to improve their sailing or learn a new skill.

Been some positive developments over winter with Yachting Australia getting right behind the initiative and contributing a sizeable investment to the future of windsurfing. A fleet of brand new boards has been ordered and has started to arrive at the club

12 new Techno293OD boards and with each board a new 3.0 and 4.5 mtr nova beginners rig plus 5.8, 6.8 and 7.8mtr one design rigs.
On top of that YA is contributing to the building of a new shed at the eastern beach end of RQ, complete with board racks and facilities to hang the beginners sails up fully rigged.

RQ has backed up this investment by ordering 10 new wind/sup boards with c/boards to be used in the program for a larger volume learner board or cross over as a SUP that parents will be able to use if they just want to have a paddle or for use in other club activities. RQ is also contributing the balance to the new windsurf facility that at this stage looks like it will located on the Northern side of the "Grandstand" a new gate will go in and the council have agreed to fix up he erosion at the Northern end of the beach to make it safer for people entering and exiting the water without having to scramble up and down rocks. Plans are underway with some urgency as the container we currently use just can't fit that amount of gear.

Further YA are funding a windsurfing "Centre of Excellence" to be based at RQ and run by Max Wojik (Raceboad World Champion and Aust RSX Olympic Coach) who returns in October to take up residence and begin his work of building a world class high performance windsurfing program.

The Learn to Windsurf program rolls on every week and the goals remain the same
Increase participation in windsurfing
Provide a safe, structured and fun environment
Keep cost to a minimum
Provide the skills and confidence to be an independent windsurfer

Free to members of RQYS
Junior membership is $17.00 per month (all gear and coaching provided)
Adult non members welcome on a casual basis for $15.00 per day (all gear and coaching provided)

We think it's pretty good value and relies on volunteers like most other sailing clubs to keep the costs low

Bring your kids down, spread the word to your friends and family or come and get involved yourself as a instructor or volunteer.

Hoping this season will grow the program bigger and better and already the signs are pointing in that direction

Where: Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron, Manly
When: Every Saturday (call for details as times change depending on the tide)